Unit 4 Learn How to Buy Tickets in English

These phrases will help you get around using public transport if you're travelling in an English-speaking country.

Buying a ticket

I'd like (+ noun / + infinitive)

I'd like a return ticket...

I'd like to buy a return ticket...

Or you can use a "Can I" question:

Can I have a ..... (single / return to Bath) please?

On the bus, when you need to be quick, the question can be short: A single to London Bridge, please.

Means of transport

In the UK, there are different types of public transport:

Buses and coaches (a bus travels in towns and cities, with people getting on and off at bus stops, while coaches travel further, often from city to city and people travel the entire distance).

The underground (or tube) in London Trains (often "intercity")

Trams (in some places) - a sort of bus run on electricity Taxis (for example the famous black cabs in London) Ferries (boats that cross water such as rivers and seas)

There's also private transport such as cars, bikes, motorbikes and scooters.

In addition, lorries (truck in American English) transport goods, and vans (large cars) are used by small businesses to transport goods, or work equipment such as ladders or tools.

Verbs

You get on and get off a bus, train, plane, bike, boat, etc. This is because you need to take a step up to get on/off the means of transport.

You get in and get out of a car, or taxi.

You can travel or go by bike, train, car, tube. But you travel on or go on foot (=walk).

You can drive a car, taxi or train. You ride a bike, motorbike or horse. You fly a plane.

Common error

Don't say "I take my car to work". Say "I drive to work" or "I go to work by car" or "I travel to work by car".

Other words to describe transport and travel a journey = the trip between the start and end.

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"My journey to work / school takes twenty minutes." a commute (to commute) = the journey to work "He commutes to work by train and tube."

"His commute takes him half an hour." bus route = the journey the bus does

"The bus route follows London Road as far as the cinema, then turns left." a bus lane = special part of the road only for buses

"Don't drive in the bus lane!"

traffic jam = when there are too many cars, buses etc and everything goes slowly - or stops.

"I'm in a traffic jam - I'll be late for work."

a bus stop = where the bus stops for people to get on or get off (also tram stop) a railway station = where you get on or off a train (also tube station)

a single or a return (ticket) = a bus, train or air ticket to go only (single) or to go and come back (return)

a one-day return (for the train) = when you go and come back the same day

a travel card = a card where you can make multiple journeys in one day, for example on the London tube

a season ticket = a train ticket where you can go by train every day for a month, or a year

Asking for information

How much is ... (a one day travel card)

How much does a one day travel card cost?

Tips for understanding native English speakers

It isn't always easy to understand native speakers at train stations or on the bus. This is because people are often in a hurry - you need to ask a question quickly on the bus, for example.

1.Prepare your question before you speak. What do you need to know? Information about the bus route, for example? Or do you want the bus driver to tell you when to get off the bus?

2.Use simple grammar to help you make the question. Here are two questions using the present simple tense:

Does this bus stop at ...... (name of place)

Does this bus stop at London Bridge?

Do you stop anywhere near ..... (name of place)

Do you stop anywhere near London Bridge?

Here is a question asking the bus driver to help you:

Can you tell me where to get off for .... (name of place)

Can you tell me where to get off for the shopping centre?

Task 4.1. Practice the dialogue with your partner.

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Woman: Er, excuse me? Man: Yes? Can I help you?

Woman: I wanted to ask about buses to Manchester. Man: Right. When are you going?

Woman: Saturday, I think in the morning. How often do the buses leave?

Man: The first bus is at 8.30. After that, there’s one bus every two hours until 6.30.

Woman: And how long does the journey take?

Man: It depends on the traffic, but normally about four hours.

Woman: Okay, I think I should leave earlier then. Can I buy a ticket in advance? Man: Yes, of course. Would you like to buy one now?

Woman: Yeah, okay. How much is it? Man: Single or return?

Woman: Single. Man: That’s £23.50.

Woman: Right… Just a minute… Okay, here you go. Man: Thank you. Here’s your change, and your ticket.

Woman: Thanks for your help. Man: Don’t forget your purse!

Woman: Oh! Silly me! Thanks!

Task 4.2. The same or different?1

1.When are you leaving?/When are you going to leave?

2.How long does the journey take?/How long is the journey?

3.Buy a ticket in advance/Buy a ticket on the day.

4.Here you go/Take it.

5.I should leave earlier/I must leave earlier.

Task 4.3. True or False?2

1.There will be a bus to Manchester at 12.30 on Saturday.

2.The journey never takes more than four hours.

3.The woman does not want to arrive in Manchester very late.

4.Tickets can only be bought from the bus driver.

5.The woman will come back from Manchester on the bus.

Task.4.4. Work in groups of two or three. Write a dialogue using phrases from the unit. Practice and present the dialogue to your class.

1Keys task 4.2.: a) Same

b) Same

c) Different—if you buy a ticket on the day, you buy the ticket the same day that you leave.

d) Different—both mean that I am giving you something, but saying take it is very direct and probably rude.

Different—I should leave earlier = I think it’s a better idea to leave earlier. I must leave earlier = It’s necessary to leave earlier, so I have no choice

2Keys task 4.3.

a) True—there will be buses at 8.30, 10.30, 12.30, 2.30… b)False—if there is heavy traffic, it could take longer.

c) True—she says: “I think I should leave earlier.” d)False—she buys a ticket in advance.

e) False—she buys a single ticket.

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